Jacobabad bomb blast: death toll mounts to 23

JACOBABAD: The death toll of the victims of Jacobabad blast from Friday rose to 23, as SSP Malik Zafar Iqbal was suspended for being negligent.

The blast occurred in Lashari Mohalla of Jacobabad, shortly after the Muharram procession passed by, said the deputy commissioner (DC) Jacobabad.

As a consequence, at least 23 people were killed including two minors and several wounded.

Rescue members rushed to the site and shifted the injured and dead bodies to hospitals.

Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) also arrived at the spot and cordoned it off in order to search for evidences.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the blast, while the chief minister Sindh has directed concerned authorities to ensure provision of best medical treatment to the wounded. CM Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah also spoke to Jacobabad’s air base commander over the phone and requested him to shift the injured to Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana and CMH Pano Aqil via air ambulance.

He also directed the IG Sindh to further beef up the security of processions.